Yhency Brazoban

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Los Angeles Dodgers #15 prospect in 2005
  When the Dodgers included Guillermo Mota in a trade deadline deal with the Marlins last year, they were hoping to get a boost in the pen from Edwin Jackson and Duaner Sanchez. But it was Brazoban who stepped up as the most reliable set-up man down the stretch. He was converted from an outfielder in 2002 by the Yankees, and the Dodgers acquired him in the Kevin Brown-Jeff Weaver swap in December 2003. His career took off after he switched organizations. He allowed just three earned runs in his first 26 big league appearances and was unflappable late in games. Brazoban works primarily with a two-pitch arsenal consisting of a 94-97 mph fastball that explodes out of his hand and an above-average, but inconsistent slider. He displays good command of both pitches. The Dodgers were working to improve his changeup, which he doesn't throw often. Brazobanis still learning the nuances of pitching. The Dodgers still haven't replaced the invaluable Mota, and Brazoban is the favorite to bridge the gap to Eric Gagne.
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  Ranked Los Angeles Dodgers #23 prospect in 2004
  The Yankees were down on Brazoban when they sent him along with righthanders Jeff Weaver, Brandon Weeden and $2.6 million to the Dodgers for Kevin Brown. But some clubs viewed the fireballing Brazoban as one of New York's brightest prospects. His off-the-field behavior and lazy work ethic have been issues since before he converted from outfielder to reliever in mid-2002. A toolsy outfielder, he never showed the ability to make adjustments at the plate and was easy prey for pitchers in the lower levels. But his arm graded out as an 80 on the 20-80 scouting scale, prompting former Yankees farm director Rob Thomson to suggest a position change. After moving to the mound, Brazoban consistently has dialed up 92-97 mph heat, topping out at 99 on occasion. He also throws a good power slider for strikes. He's still raw and more of a thrower than pitcher at this point, but the Dodgers hope he can emerge along the lines of another former position player, Guillermo Mota. Brazoban needs to mature and improve his mound demeanor before achieving those type of expectations. He's easily rattled when things don't go his way on the mound. He's likely to kick his Dodgers career off in Double-A.
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  Ranked New York Yankees #29 prospect in 2003
  As an outfielder, Brazoban idolized Vladimir Guerrero. After switching to pitching in the middle of his fifth pro season, he'll need to find a new player to emulate. The Yankees grew tired of waiting for his bat to develop, so Brazoban, who had 80 arm strength on the 20-80 scouting scale, moved to the mound in mid-July. He hit 97 mph the first time he stepped on the mound and flashed a darting 87 mph slider. He produced encouraging results in his short Gulf Coast League stint before getting shut down with a sore arm. He continued to make progress by pitching in the Dominican instructional league after the season. His fastball sat between 91-97 and he threw his slider for strikes at 83 mph. Brazoban has surprisingly good mechanics with a fast, loose arm, though he was working on repeating his release point and getting extension out front. Brazoban could move fast because he has two plus pitches and good command. The Yankees will monitor his workload and move him slowly, hoping he can develop into into a dynamic reliever at the back of the bullpen.
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  Ranked New York Yankees #23 prospect in 2002
  Brazoban patterns his game after Vladimir Guerrero's. He shares the No. 27, doesn't wear batting gloves and tries to imitate the Expos superstar's actions at the plate and in the field. While Brazoban has rare five-tool potential and one of the highest ceilings in the system, he has a long way to go before approaching his countryman's MVP credentials. Like Guerrero, he has outstanding bat speed and a maximum-effort swing, but Brazoban doesn't have command of the strike zone and needs to tone down his furious hacks. Because he's a free swinger, his power has yet to blossom. He crushes fastballs in his zone. His most advanced tools--range and a cannon arm--are on display in right field. Brazoban faces a tough challenge developing his offense in the pitching-friendly Florida State League this year, where his main focus should be developing a patient eye.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked Florida Complex League #11 prospect in 2000
  Brazoban, a repeat player in the GCL, hit .320 a year ago and dropped slightly to .303 this year. But every phase of his game--including his hitting--took a quantum leap forward. "That was a soft .300 he hit last year," Aviles said. "He showed a lot more power this year, and a lot better contact. He’s got all the tools. I thought he was the best position player in our division." By shortening his stroke, Brazoban cut his strikeouts from 47 to 28. He also made a successful transition to center field after playing right field in 1999. He covered a lot of ground and had the best outfield arm in the Northern Division.

• December, 1999 Scouting Report
  Brazoban, a repeat player in the GCL, hit .320 a year ago and dropped slightly to .303 this year. But every phase of his game--including his hitting--took a quantum leap forward. "That was a soft .300 he hit last year," Aviles said. "He showed a lot more power this year, and a lot better contact. He’s got all the tools. I thought he was the best position player in our division." By shortening his stroke, Brazoban cut his strikeouts from 47 to 28. He also made a successful transition to center field after playing right field in 1999. He covered a lot of ground and had the best outfield arm in the Northern Division.